Home / Casino Games / How to Play Craps Game: Rules, Table Layout, Tips to Win
Pros
  1. Exciting and energetic: Craps is known for its lively atmosphere and high-energy gameplay. The cheers and camaraderie among players can create a thrilling and engaging experience.
  2. Variety of betting options: Craps offers a wide range of betting options, allowing players to choose from numerous strategies and wagers. This variety adds depth and excitement to the game, catering to different playing styles.
  3. Skill and strategy: While luck plays a role in Craps, there are also opportunities for skillful play and strategic decision-making. Players can employ various strategies to increase their chances of winning and maximize their profits.
  4. Social interaction: Craps is often played at a crowded table, promoting social interaction and engagement with other players. The shared experience of cheering for wins and consoling each other during losses fosters a sense of camaraderie.
  5. Potential for big wins: Craps offers the potential for significant payouts, particularly on certain bets like the "odds" bet. This can be enticing for players seeking the thrill of chasing big wins.
Cons
  1. Complex rules: Craps has a wide array of rules and betting options, which can be overwhelming for new players. Learning all the intricacies of the game can take time and effort.
  2. Fast-paced nature: Craps can be a fast-paced game with multiple rounds and bets happening simultaneously. The rapid pace may be overwhelming for some players and may lead to impulsive decisions or mistakes.
  3. High house edge on certain bets: While Craps offers a variety of betting options, some bets have a high house edge, meaning the odds are not in the player's favor. It's important to understand the odds and make informed choices to mitigate this disadvantage.
  4. Money management challenges: The energetic atmosphere and numerous betting options in Craps can make it challenging to manage one's bankroll effectively. Players may be tempted to make impulsive bets or chase losses, which can lead to financial strain if not controlled.
  5. Intimidating for beginners: The bustling and crowded environment of a Craps table can be intimidating for newcomers. The complex rules and rapid pace may discourage some players from trying the game, especially if they feel uncertain or overwhelmed.

How to Play Craps and Win: Game Rules & Tips

Introduction

Craps is a classic casino game that has captured the attention of players for generations. It is often viewed as an intimidating game, but the reality is that craps offers a unique opportunity for players to beat the house and win big. Unlike many other casino games, craps is a game of skill as well as luck, and it is this combination that makes it so appealing to both experienced and novice players.

Despite its popularity, craps is often overlooked by beginners who are intimidated by the complex rules and betting options. However, by taking the time to understand the game and develop a solid strategy, players can increase their chances of winning and have an enjoyable experience at the craps table.

In this article, we will guide you through the game rules, betting options, and strategies of craps, providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to play and win. We will cover everything from the basic mechanics of the game to advanced techniques that can help you maximize your winnings. Whether you are a seasoned player looking to refine your skills or a beginner looking to learn the ropes, this article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to playing and winning at craps. We will also provide some gambling tips on how to win craps.

Craps Rules

The official craps rules states that two six-sided dices must be used when playing craps. Players take turns rolling the dices and they must both hit the wall at least once before being considered valid rolls. If any dice fails to hit the wall with enough force then it will be declared as an invalid throw and have to be re-rolled until it meets this criteria .

The objective of craps is to bet on the outcome of the dices being rolled and then receive a payout based on the result. Players can either place their bets before or after any roll, depending on which type of craps game they are playing. If a player’s bet wins, they will be paid out according to the craps rules for that game.

A craps game usually consists of two distinct phases – “Come Out” and “Point”. In the Come Out phase, players take turns rolling until either a 7 or 11 is thrown (called a “Natural”), in which case all Pass Line bets win; or 2, 3 or 12 is rolled (called a “Craps”), in which case all Pass Line bets lose.

The Point phase starts with the shooter rolling a 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 (called “the point”) and then continues until either the same number is rolled again (in which case all Pass Line bets win); or a 7 is rolled (in which case all Pass Line bets lose).

craps dice roll nicknames

Craps Terms

Here are some key craps terms:

  • Pass Line Bet – The most common bet in craps and is placed on the pass line before a shooter rolls their dices. This bet pays even money when the point number is rolled (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) and loses if a 7 or 11 is thrown.
  • Come Out Roll – The first roll of any craps game when players place their wagers on either the Pass Line or Don’t Pass bar.
  • Don’t Pass Bar – An alternative to betting on the Pass Line, this bet pays even money when a 2 or 3 is thrown and pushes when a 12 is thrown; however, it loses if a 7 or 11 is thrown.
  • Point – The number rolled during the Come Out phase which marks the start of the Point phase.
  • Odds Bet – This bet can be placed after any point number has been established and offers craps players better odds than the Pass Line bet.
  • Field Bet – A type of craps bet that pays even money when a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 is thrown; however, it loses if 5, 6, 7 or 8 is rolled.
craps table layout

Craps Table Layout

The layout of the craps table is an essential aspect of the game that every craps player must understand. A well-designed craps table provides players with a clear and concise layout of the various betting options, allowing them to place their bets with ease and confidence. Without an understanding of the layout, players can easily become overwhelmed and confused, leading to poor betting decisions and missed opportunities.

One of the key features of the craps table layout is the different bets that can be placed. These bets include Pass Line bets, Don’t Pass Bar, Come Out Bet, Field Bet, and Odds Bets. Each bet has its own specific set of rules and payout structure, and understanding these can make a significant difference to your success at the craps table.

In addition to the various betting options, the craps table also typically features a minimum bet requirement printed on it. This requirement indicates the minimum amount of money that must be wagered before each game starts, and it is important for players to adhere to this requirement to avoid being disqualified from the game.

Craps Bets

Pass Bet

This is the most popular craps bet and it pays even money when a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) is rolled.

Come Bet

This craps bet pays even money when a point number (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10) is rolled and it is similar to the Pass Line bet; however, this bet must be placed after the Come Out roll.

Don’t Pass and Don’t Come

These craps bets are the opposite of the Pass Line and Come Bets. They pay even money when a 2 or 3 is thrown and push if a 12 is rolled; however, they lose if a 7 or 11 is rolled.

Place Bets

Place Bets are craps bets that can be placed on the point numbers (4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10) after the Come Out roll. This bet pays even money when the chosen number is rolled before a 7.

Free Odds

This craps bet is placed after a point number has been established. This craps bet pays out according to the true odds of the dice being rolled and it offers craps players better odds than the Pass Line Bet or Place Bets.

Hardways Bets

This craps bet is placed on hardway numbers (4, 6, 8 or 10) which are rolled as pairs. This craps bet pays out even money when the chosen number is rolled before a 7 or an easy way (a combination of two different dice).

The Field

This craps bet pays even money when a 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 or 11 is thrown; however, it loses if 5, 6, 7 or 8 is rolled.

Big 6 & Big 8

This craps bet pays even money when a 6 or 8 is rolled. It loses if a 7 is thrown before the chosen number.

Proposition Bets

These craps bets can be placed at any time during the game and they are generally considered a sucker bet as the house edge is usually higher than other craps bets.

Hop Bets

These craps bets pay out the same odds as a Hardway Bet, but they can be placed at any time during a craps game.

craps bets probabilities

Tips on How To Win at Craps

Set a Bankroll Limit

Before you start playing craps, make sure that you set a bankroll limit for yourself so that you don’t get in over your head when betting.

Think of the Odds

The best craps bet is always to bet on the odds. This craps bet offers craps players better odds than the Pass Line Bet or Place Bets and it pays out according to true odds.

Know When to Stop

When playing craps, knowing when to quit is important; if you are not enjoying yourself anymore or feel like you have had enough, don’t be afraid to call it quits. It’s important to know your limits and stick to them.

Use the Free Odds

The Free Odds craps bet can be placed after a point number has been established and it pays out according to the true odds of the dice being rolled. This craps bet offers craps players better odds than other craps bets, so make sure to use it when playing craps.

Practice Craps Online

Practicing craps online can be a great way to get familiar with the game and its rules without having to worry about feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable in a live casino.

Mind the Etiquette

When playing craps at a casino, it is important to follow the craps etiquette. This includes being respectful when betting and making sure you keep your hands away from the dices.

Play With Patience

Patience is key when playing craps. Taking your time and betting slowly will help you stay in control of your wagers and not get carried away with excitement.

How to play Craps Online

Playing craps online offers a convenient and accessible way for players to enjoy this thrilling game from the comfort of their own home. With the rise of online casinos, it has never been easier to play craps and potentially win big. However, before you start playing, it is important to understand the steps involved in playing craps online to maximize your chances of success.

The first step in playing craps online is to sign up for a reputable online casino that offers craps as one of its games. Once you have found a suitable casino, take some time to familiarize yourself with the craps game rules and how the game works. This can be done by reading through the online casino’s guidelines, watching tutorials, or practicing with free versions of the game.

After gaining a solid understanding of the game, you can start placing your bets. The two primary bets in craps are the Pass Line Bet and the Don’t Pass Line Bet. To place your bet, simply select your desired bet type and amount and click on the relevant area of the virtual craps table.

Once your bets have been placed, it’s time to roll the dice. Unlike in traditional casinos, online craps games use random number generators to determine the outcome of each roll. The results are instantaneous, and any winning bets are automatically credited to your account.

How to play Craps at Casino

Playing craps at a casino is easy and can be done in a few simple steps as well. First, you will need to find a craps table at the casino – these are usually located near the center of the casino floor. Once you have found a craps table, make sure to familiarize yourself with the craps game rules and how the game works before placing your wagers. When ready, place your bets on either the Pass Line Bet or the Don’t Pass Line Bet and roll the dice.

Conclusion

Playing craps is an exciting game that requires some knowledge of the craps rules and how to play craps. With a few simple steps, you can be well on your way to becoming a master at craps! Remember to stay patient, follow the craps etiquette in live casinos, and always bet with caution when playing craps online or at a casino. Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic rules of craps?

The basic craps rules are simple: you place your bets on either the Pass Line Bet or the Don’t Pass Line Bet and roll the dice. The craps game then follows according to the rules of craps.

What is the best strategy for craps?

The best craps strategy is to bet on the odds. This craps bet offers craps players better odds than the Pass Line Bet or Place Bets and it pays out according to true odds. Additionally, make sure to set a bankroll limit for yourself before playing craps and remember to quit when you are no longer enjoying yourself or feeling like you’ve had enough.

Is Craps easy to learn?

Yes, craps is easy to learn. Once you have familiarized yourself with the craps game rules and how the game works, playing craps becomes fairly simple.

How do you play craps for the first time?

If you are playing craps for the first time, make sure to familiarize yourself with the craps game rules and how the game works before placing your wagers. When ready, place your bets on either the Pass Line Bet or the Don’t Pass Line Bet and roll the dice.

What is the goal of craps?

The goal of craps is to predict the outcome of a roll of two dices. By placing bets on either the Pass Line Bet or the Don’t Pass Line Bet, craps players can attempt to predict what number will come up when the two dices are rolled.

What is a 7 bet in craps?

A 7 bet in craps is a wager that the next roll of the craps dice will result in a seven. This craps bet pays out 4:1, which means that if you bet $5 and win, you get your original $5 back plus an additional $20.

What is the smartest way to play craps?

The smartest way to play craps is to bet on the odds. This craps bet offers craps players better odds than the Pass Line Bet or Place Bets and it pays out according to true odds.

Is craps a game of chance or skill?

Craps is a game of both chance and skill. While craps is ultimately based on luck, craps players can also use their knowledge of the craps rules and strategy to influence the outcome of each craps roll.

Rudra Chanda